AUSTIN, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — On Thursday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 126 into law, clearing the way for colleges and universities in the state to directly pay student-athletes for their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).

The legislation brings Texas in line with the recent House v. NCAA settlement, allowing schools to share revenue from broadcasts and other sources with athletes.

In a significant change, the law also allows high school athletes in Texas who are at least 17 years old to sign NIL deals, expanding opportunities for younger athletes while maintaining UIL oversight.

Under HB 126, NIL deals cannot be tied to on-field performance or used as recruiting incentives. Athletes are also restricted from endorsing certain products, including alcohol, tobacco, steroids, gamb

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